Long term recovery nonprofit helping Lake, Sumter residents post-Matthew

Residents in north Lake County are still cleaning up from Hurricane Matthew, and some are getting help from LASER.

• Lake and Sumter Emergency Recovery (LASER) has helped 16 people
• The nonprofit organization says it also has 10 open cases
• Call 352-241-2304 or go to www.laserfl.com for help, to volunteer

Also known as Lake and Sumter Emergency Recovery, LASER is a long-term recovery group that sends out teams of volunteers to Lake and Sumter counties to help after major disasters.

"We've had a couple of homes that had large holes in roofs from tree damage that we had to get tarps on — all the way down to trees blocking the roadways to and from their driveway," said Brandi Martin, executive director of LASER.

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners created the nonprofit shortly after the 2004 hurricanes.

LASER officials said the organization has helped about 16 Lake County residents since Hurricane Matthew passed through the area. There are still about 10 open cases.

If you would like to contact LASER for help or to volunteer, call 352-241-2304 or go to www.laserfl.com.